The
HajjHajj (/hædʒ/;[1] Arabic: حَجّ‎ Ḥaǧǧ "pilgrimage") is
an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca,[2] the holiest city for
Muslims, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be
carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who
are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and
can support their family during their absence.[3][4][5] It is one of
the five pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah, Salat,
ZakatZakat and Sawm.
The
HajjHajj is the second largest annual gathering of Muslims in the
world.[6] The state of being physically and financially capable of
performing the
HajjHajj is called istita'ah, and a
MuslimMuslim who fulfills
this condition is called a mustati. The
HajjHajj is a demonstration of the
solidarity of the
MuslimMuslim people, and their submission to God
(Allah).[7][8] The word
HajjHajj means "to intend a journey", which
connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of
intentions.[9]
The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th (or in some cases 13th[10])
of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Because the
Islamic calendarIslamic calendar is lunar and the Islamic year is about eleven days
shorter than the Gregorian year, the Gregorian date of
HajjHajj changes
from year to year.
IhramIhram is the name given to the special spiritual
state in which pilgrims wear two white sheets of seamless cloth and
abstain from certain actions.[7][11][12]
The
HajjHajj is associated with the life of Islamic prophet
MuhammadMuhammad from
the 7th century, but the ritual of pilgrimage to
MeccaMecca is considered
by Muslims to stretch back thousands of years to the time of Abraham.
During Hajj, pilgrims join processions of hundreds of thousands of
people, who simultaneously converge on
MeccaMecca for the week of the Hajj,
and perform a series of rituals: each person walks counter-clockwise
seven times around the
KaabaKaaba (the cube-shaped building and the
direction of prayer for the Muslims), runs back and forth between the
hills of Safa and Marwah, drinks from the Zamzam Well, goes to the
plains of
Mount ArafatMount Arafat to stand in vigil, spends a night in the plain
of Muzdalifa, and performs symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing
stones at three pillars. The pilgrims then shave their heads, perform
a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three-day global
festival of Eid al-Adha.[13][14][15][16]
Pilgrims can also go to
MeccaMecca to perform the rituals at other times of
the year. This is sometimes called the "lesser pilgrimage", or
‘
UmrahUmrah (Arabic: عُـمـرَة‎).[17] However, even if they
choose to perform the Umrah, they are still obligated to perform the
HajjHajj at some other point in their lifetime if they have the means to
do so, because
UmrahUmrah is not a substitute for Hajj.[18]

Etymology[edit]
The word in Arabic: حج‎ [ħædʒ, ħæɡ] comes from the Hebrew:
חג‎ ḥag [χaɡ], which means "holiday", from the trilateral
Semitic root ח-ג-ג. The meaning of the verb is "to circle, to go
around".[19][20]
JudaismJudaism uses circumambulation in the
Hakafot ritual
during
Hoshanah RabbahHoshanah Rabbah at the end of the Festival of
SukkotSukkot and on
Simchat Torah; traditionally, Jewish brides circumambulate their
grooms during the wedding ceremony under the chuppah. From this
custom, the root was borrowed for the familiar meaning of holiday,
celebration and festivity. In the Temple, every festival would bring a
sacrificial feast. Similarly in Islam, the person who commits the Hajj
to
MeccaMecca has to turn around the
KaabaKaaba and to offer sacrifices.[21]
History[edit]
Main article: History of Hajj

The present pattern of
HajjHajj was established by Muhammad.[22] However,
according to the Quran, elements of
HajjHajj trace back to the time of
Abraham. According to Islamic tradition, Abraham was ordered by
GodGod to
leave his wife Hajara and his son Ishmael alone in the desert of
ancient Mecca. In search of water, Hajara desperately ran seven times
between the two hills of
Safa and MarwahSafa and Marwah but found none. Returning in
despair to Ishmael, she saw the baby scratching the ground with his
leg and a water fountain sprang forth underneath his foot.[23] Later,
Abraham was commanded to build the
KaabaKaaba (which he did with the help
of Ishmael) and to invite people to perform pilgrimage there.[24] The
QuranQuran refers to these incidents in verses 2:124-127 and 22:27-30.[n 1]
It is said that the archangel
GabrielGabriel brought the
Black StoneBlack Stone from
Heaven to be attached to the Kaaba.[24]
In pre-Islamic Arabia, a time known as jahiliyyah, the
KaabaKaaba became
surrounded by pagan idols.[25] In 630 CE,
MuhammadMuhammad led his followers
from
MedinaMedina to Mecca, cleansed the
KaabaKaaba by destroying all the pagan
idols, and then reconsecrated the building to Allah.[26] In 632 CE,
MuhammadMuhammad performed his only and last pilgrimage with a large number of
followers, and instructed them on the rites of Hajj.[27] It was from
this point that
HajjHajj became one of the five pillars of Islam.
During the medieval times, pilgrims would gather in big cities of
Syria, Egypt, and Iraq to go to
MeccaMecca in groups and caravans
comprising tens of thousands of pilgrims,[28] often under state
patronage.[29]
HajjHajj caravans, particularly with the advent of the
Mamluk Sultanate and its successor, the Ottoman Empire, were escorted
by a military force accompanied by physicians under the command of an
amir al-hajj.[30][31] This was done in order to protect the caravan
from
BedouinBedouin robbers or natural hazards,[n 2][30][31] and to ensure
that the pilgrims were supplied with the necessary provisions.[30]
MuslimMuslim travelers like
Ibn JubayrIbn Jubayr and
Ibn BattutaIbn Battuta have recorded
detailed accounts of Hajj-travels of medieval time.[32] The caravans
followed well-established routes called in Arabic darb al-hajj, lit.
"pilgrimage road", which usually followed ancient routes such as the
King's Highway.
Timing of Hajj[edit]
The date of
HajjHajj is determined by the
Islamic calendarIslamic calendar (known as Hijri
calendar or AH), which is based on the lunar year.[33][34] Every year,
the events of
HajjHajj take place in a five-day period, starting on 8 and
ending on 12 Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic
calendar. Among these five days, the 9th Dhul-Hijjah is known as Day
of Arafah, and this day is called the day of Hajj. Because the Islamic
calendar is lunar and the Islamic year is about eleven days shorter
than the Gregorian year, the Gregorian date for
HajjHajj changes from year
to year. Thus, each year in the Gregorian calendar, the pilgrimage
starts eleven days (sometimes ten days) earlier than the preceding
year.[34][35] This makes it possible for the
HajjHajj season to fall twice
in one Gregorian year, and it does so every 33 years. The last time
this phenomenon occurred was 2006.[36] The table below shows the
Gregorian dates of
HajjHajj of recent years (the dates correspond to 9
Dhul-Hijjah of Hijri calendar):

The date for the next
HajjHajj is the 20th of August, 2018 (Day of
Arafat).[45]
Rites[edit]

Artwork showing locations and rites of Hajj

FiqhFiqh literature describes in detail the manners of carrying out the
rites of Hajj, and pilgrims generally follow handbooks and expert
guides to successfully fulfill the requirements of Hajj.[46] In
performing the rites of hajj, the pilgrims not only follow the model
of Muhammad, but also commemorate the events associated with
Abraham.[47]
Ihram[edit]
When the pilgrims reach the appropriate
MiqatMiqat (depending on where
they're coming from), they enter into a state of holiness – known as
IhramIhram – that consists of wearing two white seamless cloths for the
male, with the one wrapped around the waist reaching below the knee
and the other draped over the left shoulder and tied at the right
side; wearing ordinary dress for the female that fulfills the Islamic
condition of public dress with hands and face
uncovered;[48][page needed] taking ablution; declaring the
intention (niyah) to perform pilgrimage and to refraining from certain
activities such as clipping the nails, shaving any part of the body,
having sexual relations; using perfumes, damaging plants, killing
animals, covering head (for men) or the face and hands (for women);
getting married; or carrying weapons.[7][11] The ihram is meant to
show equality of all pilgrims in front of God: there is no difference
between the rich and the poor.[47]
First day of Hajj: 8th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
On the 8th Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims are reminded of their duties.
They again don the ihram garments and confirm their intention to make
the pilgrimage. The prohibitions of ihram start now.
TawafTawaf and sa'ay[edit]

The ritual of
TawafTawaf involves walking seven times counterclockwise
around the Kaaba.[49] Upon arriving at
Al-Masjid Al-ḤarāmAl-Masjid Al-Ḥarām (Arabic:
الـمَـسـجِـد الـحَـرَام‎, The Sacred Mosque),
pilgrims perform an arrival tawaf either as part of
UmrahUmrah or as a
welcome tawaf.[50] During tawaf, pilgrims also include Hateem – an
area at the north side of the
KaabaKaaba – inside their path. Each
circuit starts with the kissing or touching of the
Black StoneBlack Stone (Hajar
al- Aswad).[51] If kissing the stone is not possible because of the
crowds, they may simply point towards the stone with their hand on
each circuit. Eating is not permitted but the drinking of water is
allowed, because of the risk of dehydration. Men are encouraged to
perform the first three circuits at a hurried pace, known as Ramal,
and the following four at a more leisurely
pace.[48][page needed][51]
The completion of
TawafTawaf is followed by two Rakaat prayers at the Place
of Abraham (Muqam Ibrahim), a site near the
KaabaKaaba inside the
mosque.[51][52] However, again because of large crowds during the days
of Hajj, they may instead pray anywhere in the mosque. After prayer,
pilgrims also drink water from the Zamzam well, which is made
available in coolers throughout the Mosque.[53]
Although the circuits around the
KaabaKaaba are traditionally done on the
ground level,
TawafTawaf is now also performed on the first floor and roof
of the mosque because of the large crowds.
TawafTawaf is followed by sa'ay, running or walking seven times between the
hills of Safa and Marwah, located near the Kaaba.[49][52] Previously
in open air, the place is now entirely enclosed by the Sacred Mosque,
and can be accessed via air-conditioned tunnels.[54] Pilgrims are
advised to walk the circuit, though two green pillars mark a short
section of the path where they run. There is also an internal "express
lane" for the disabled. After sayee, the male pilgrims shave their
heads and women generally clip a portion of their hair, which
completes the Umrah.

Sa'yee towards Safa

Central section reserved for the elderly and the disabled. It is also
divided into two directions of travel.

After the morning prayer on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims
proceed to Mina where they spend the whole day and offer noon,
afternoon, evening, and night prayers.[55] The next morning after
morning prayer, they leave Mina to go to Arafat.
Second day: 9th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
The 9th Dhul-Hijjah is known as Day of Arafah, and this day is called
the Day of Hajj.[43]
Arafat[edit]
Main article: Day of Arafah
On 9th
Dhu al-HijjahDhu al-Hijjah before noon, pilgrims arrive at Arafat, a barren
and plain land some 20 kilometers east of Mecca,[56] where they stand
in contemplative vigil: they offer supplications, repent on and atone
for their past sins, and seek mercy of God, and listen to sermon from
the Islamic scholars who deliver it from near Jabal al-Rahmah (The
Mount of Mercy)[55] from where
MuhammadMuhammad is said to have delivered his
last sermon. Lasting from noon through sunset,[56] this is known as
'standing before God' (wuquf), one of the most significant rites of
Hajj.[7] At Masjid al-Namirah, pilgrims offer noon and afternoon
prayers together at noon time.[55] A pilgrim's
HajjHajj is considered
invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafat.[14][56]
Muzdalifah[edit]

A scenery of Muzdalifa

Pilgrims must leave Arafat for
MuzdalifahMuzdalifah after sunset without praying
maghrib (sunset) prayer at Arafat.[57]
MuzdalifahMuzdalifah is an area between
Arafat and Mina. Upon reaching there, pilgrims perform
MaghribMaghrib and
Isha prayer jointly, spend the night praying and sleeping on the
ground with open sky, and gather pebbles for the next day's ritual of
the stoning of the
DevilDevil (Shaitan).[58]
Third day: 10th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
After returning from Muzdalifah, the Pilgrims spend the night at Mina.
Ramy al-Jamarat[edit]
Main article: Stoning of the Devil

Back at Mina, the pilgrims perform symbolic stoning of the devil (Ramy
al-Jamarat) by throwing seven stones at only the largest of the three
pillars, known as Jamrat al-Aqabah from sunrise to sunset.[14][59] The
remaining two pillars (jamarah) are not stoned on this day.[60] These
pillars are said to represent Satan.[61] Pilgrims climb ramps to the
multi-levelled Jamaraat Bridge, from which they can throw their
pebbles at the jamarat. Because of safety reasons, in 2004 the pillars
were replaced by long walls, with catch basins below to collect the
pebbles.[62][63]
Animal sacrifice[edit]
After the casting of stones, animals are slaughtered to commemorate
the story of Abraham and Ishmael. Traditionally the pilgrims
slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering. Today
many pilgrims buy a sacrifice voucher in
MeccaMecca before the greater Hajj
begins, which allows an animal to be slaughtered in the name of God
(Allah) on the 10th, without the pilgrim being physically present.
Modern abattoirs complete the processing of the meat, which is then
sent as charity to poor people around the world.[14][54] At the same
time as the sacrifices occur at Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform
similar sacrifices, in a three-day global festival called Eid
al-Adha.[15]
Hair removal[edit]
After sacrificing an animal, another important rite of
HajjHajj is shaving
head or trimming hair (known as Halak). All male pilgrims shave their
head or trim their hair on the day of
Eid al AdhaEid al Adha and women pilgrims
cut the tips of their hair.[64][65][66]
TawafTawaf Ziyarat[edit]

On the same or the following day, the pilgrims re-visit the Sacred
MosqueMosque in
MeccaMecca for another tawaf, known as
TawafTawaf al-Ifadah, an
essential part of Hajj.[65] It symbolizes being in a hurry to respond
to
GodGod and show love for Him, an obligatory part of the Hajj. The
night of the 10th is spent back at Mina.
Fourth day: 11th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
Starting from noon to sunset on the 11
Dhu al-HijjahDhu al-Hijjah (and again the
following day), the pilgrims again throw seven pebbles at each of the
three pillars in Mina. This is commonly known as the "Stoning of the
Devil".[59]
Fifth day: 12th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
On 12 Dhu al-Hijjah, the same process of stoning of the pillars as of
11
Dhu al-HijjahDhu al-Hijjah takes place.[59] Pilgrims may leave Mina for Mecca
before sunset on the 12th.
Last day at Mina: 13th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
If unable to leave on the 12th before sunset or opt to stay at free
will, they must perform the stoning ritual again on the 13th before
returning to Mecca.[59]
TawafTawaf al-Wadaa[edit]
Finally, before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a farewell tawaf
called the
TawafTawaf al-Wadaa. 'Wadaa' means 'to bid farewell'. The
pilgrims circle the
KaabaKaaba seven times counter-clockwise, and if they
can, attempt to touch or kiss the Kaaba.[14]
Journey to Medina[edit]
Though not a part of Hajj, pilgrims may choose to travel to the city
of
MedinaMedina and the
Al-Masjid an-NabawiAl-Masjid an-Nabawi (
MosqueMosque of the Prophet), which
contains Muhammad's tomb.[54] The Quba
MosqueMosque and Masjid al-Qiblatayn
are also usually visited.[67]
Arrangement and facilities[edit]

A Saudi security officer on vigil

Making necessary arrangements each year for the growing number of
pilgrims poses a logistic challenge for the government of Saudi
Arabia, which has, since the 1950s, spent more than $100 billion to
increase pilgrimage facilities.[29][33] Major issues like housing,
transportation, sanitation, and health care have been addressed and
improved greatly by the government by introducing various development
programs, with the result that pilgrims now enjoy modern facilities
and perform various rites at ease.[54] The Saudi government often sets
quota for various countries to keep the pilgrims' number at a
manageable level, and arranges huge security forces and CCTV cameras
to maintain overall safety during Hajj.[29][33][68][69] Various
institutions and government programs, such as the
Haj subsidyHaj subsidy offered
in India or the
Tabung HajiTabung Haji based in Malaysia assist pilgrims in
covering the costs of the journey.[70] For 2014 Hajj, special Hajj
information desks were set up at Pakistani airports to assist the
pilgrims.[71]
Visa requirements[edit]
In order to enter
Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia to participate in the Hajj, visa
requirements exist.[72][73][74][75]
Transportation[edit]

Play media

A step by step guide to hajj

Traditionally, the pilgrimage to
MeccaMecca was mainly an overland journey
using camels as a means of transport. During the second half of the
nineteenth century (after 1850s), steamships began to be used in the
pilgrimage journey to Mecca, and the number of pilgrims traveling on
sea route increased.[76] This continued for some time,[77] until air
travel came to predominate;
EgyptEgypt introduced the first airline service
for
HajjHajj pilgrims in 1937.[78][79] Today, many airlines and travel
agents offer
HajjHajj packages, and arrange for transportation and
accommodation for the pilgrims.[80] King Abdulaziz International
Airport in Jeddah and
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz AirportPrince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina
have dedicated pilgrim terminals to assist the arrival of
pilgrims.[81][82] Other international airports around the world, such
as Indira Gandhi in New Delhi,
Rajiv Gandhi International AirportRajiv Gandhi International Airport in
Hyderabad, Jinnah in
KarachiKarachi and Soekarno-Hatta in
JakartaJakarta also have
dedicated terminals or temporary facilities to service pilgrims as
they depart and return home.[83] During Hajj, many airlines run extra
flights to accommodate the large number of pilgrims.[33][81]
During official
HajjHajj days, pilgrims travel between the different
locations by bus or on foot. The Saudi government strictly controls
vehicles access into these heavily congested areas. However, the
journey could take many hours due to heavy vehicular and pedestrian
traffic. In 2010, the Saudi government started operating a metro rail
service that runs between Arafat,
MuzdalifaMuzdalifa and Mina. The service
shortens the travel time during the critical "Nafrah" from Arafat to
MuzdalifahMuzdalifah to minutes. Due to its limited capacity, the use of the
metro is not open to all pilgrims and is subject to strict controls by
Saudi officials.
Modern crowd-control problems[edit]
Main article: Incidents during the Hajj
Pilgrim numbers have greatly increased in recent years, which has led
to numerous accidents and deaths due to overcrowding. The first major
accident during
HajjHajj in modern times occurred in 1990, when a tunnel
stampede led to the death of 1,462 people.[84] Afterwards, various
crowd-control techniques were adopted to ensure safety. Because of
large crowds, some of the rituals have become more symbolic. For
example, it is no longer necessary to kiss the Black Stone. Instead,
pilgrims simply point at it on each circuit around the Kaaba. Also,
the large pillars used for pebble throwing were changed into long
walls in 2004 with basins below to catch the stones.[62][63] Another
example is that animal sacrifice is now done at slaughterhouses
appointed by the Saudi authorities, without the pilgrims being present
there.[48][85][86]
For
HajjHajj in 2016, Saudi authorities will also be giving pilgrims
GPS-tracked electronic bracelets.[87][needs update]
Despite safety measures, incidents may happen during the
HajjHajj as
pilgrims are trampled or ramps collapse under the weight of the many
visitors. During 2015 Hajj, a stampede resulted in 769 deaths and
injuries to 934 others, according to the Saudi authorities.[88][89] A
report from Associated Press totalled at least 1470 fatalities from
official reports from other countries, making it the most deadly such
episode to date.[88] Concerns were raised in 2013 and 2014 about the
spread of MERS because of mass gatherings during the Hajj.[90][91]
Saudi Health Minister Abdullah Al-Rabia said authorities have detected
no cases of MERS among the pilgrims so far.[92] He also said that,
despite few cases of MERS,
Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia was ready for the 2014
pilgrimage.[93][94][needs update]
In November 2017, Saudi authorities banned selfies at the two holy
sites [95]
Significance[edit]
To the Muslims,
HajjHajj is associated with religious as well as social
significance.[96] Nevertheless, it should be noted that the obligation
for performing this pilgrimage is only fulfilled if it is done on the
eighth to twelfth day of the last month of the Islamic calendar. If in
a given year, an adult
MuslimMuslim is in good health and his life and
wealth is safe, they must perform the
HajjHajj in the same year. Delaying
it is considered sinful unless the delay is caused by reasons beyond
his/her control.[97]
Apart from being an obligatory religious duty, the
HajjHajj is seen to
have a spiritual merit that provides the Muslims with an opportunity
of self-renewal.[96]
HajjHajj serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgment
when Muslims believe people will stand before God.[98] Hadith
literature (sayings of Muhammad) articulates various merits a pilgrim
achieves upon successful completion of their Hajj.[n 3] After
successful pilgrimage, pilgrims can prefix their names with the title
'Al-Hajji', and are held with respect in
MuslimMuslim society.[99] However,
Islamic scholars suggest
HajjHajj should signify a Muslim's religious
commitment, and should not be a measurement of their social
status.[99]
HajjHajj brings together and unites the Muslims from different
parts of the world irrespective of their race, colour, and culture,
which acts as a symbol of equality.[7][64]
A 2008 study on the impact of participating in the Islamic pilgrimage
found that
MuslimMuslim communities become more positive and tolerant after
HajjHajj experience. Titled Estimating the Impact of the Hajj: Religion
and Tolerance in Islam's Global Gathering and conducted in conjunction
with Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, the
study noted that the
HajjHajj "increases belief in equality and harmony
among ethnic groups and Islamic sects and leads to more favorable
attitudes toward women, including greater acceptance of female
education and employment" and that "Hajjis show increased belief in
peace, and in equality and harmony among adherents of different
religions."[100]
Malcolm X, an American activist during the Civil Rights Movement,
describes the sociological atmosphere he experienced at his
HajjHajj in
the 1960s as follows:

There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world.
They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned
Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying
a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had
led me to believe never could exist between the white and the
non-white. America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one
religion that erases from its society the race problem. You may be
shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I
have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my
thought patterns previously held.[101]

Economic aspect[edit]
In 2014,
Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia was expected to have earned up to $8.5 billion
from Hajj.[102] Saudi Arabia's highest source of revenue after oil and
gas is
HajjHajj and the country is expected to depend more on
HajjHajj as the
amounts of available oil and gas for sale decline.[17]
Number of pilgrims per year[edit]

There has been a substantial increase in the number of pilgrims during
the last 92 years, and the number of foreign pilgrims has increased by
approximately 2,824 percent, from 58,584 in 1920 to 1,712,962 in
2012.[104] Because of development and expansion work at Masjid
al-Haram, the authority restricted the number of pilgrims in
2013.[105][106] The following number of pilgrims arrived in Saudi
Arabia each year to perform Hajj.

Amr bin Shuaib reported from his grandfather that the Messenger of
AllahAllah said:

In
Dhu al-Qi'dah (Islamic month), there will be fight among the
tribes,
MuslimMuslim pilgrims will be looted and there will be a battle in
Mina in which many people will be slain and blood will flow until it
runs over the Jamaratul Aqba (one of the three stone pillars at Mina).
The man they seek will flee and will be found between the Rukn (a
corner of the
KaabaKaaba containing the Black Stone) and the Maqam of
Prophet Abraham (near Ka'ba). He will be forced to accept people's
Bay'ah (being chosen as a Leader/Caliph). The number of those offering
Bay'ah will be the same as the number of the people of Badr (Muslim
fighters who participated in the
Battle of BadrBattle of Badr at time of Prophet
Muhammad). Then, the dweller of Heaven and the dweller of the Earth
will be pleased with him.[134]

There will be an
AyahAyah (sign) in (the month of) Ramadan. Then, there
will 'isabah (splitting into groups) in Shawwal. Then, there will be
fighting in (the month of) Dhu al-Qi'dah. Then, the pilgrim will be
robbed in (the month of) Dhu al-Hijjah. Then, the prohibitions will be
violated in (the month of) al-Muharram. Then, there will be sound in
(the month of) Safar, then the tribes will conflict with each other in
the two months of
Rabi' al-awwalRabi' al-awwal & Rabi' al-thani. Then, the most
amazing thing will happen between (the months of) Jumada and Rajab.
Then, a well-fed she-camel will be better than a fortress (castle)
sheltering a thousand (people).[n 4]

Both are Islamic pilgrimages, the main difference is their level of
importance and the method of observance.[135]
HajjHajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for every
MuslimMuslim once in their lifetime, provided they are physically fit and
financially capable.
HajjHajj is performed over specific days during a designated Islamic
month. However,
UmrahUmrah can be performed at any time.
Although they share common rites,
UmrahUmrah can be performed in less than
a few hours while
HajjHajj is more time consuming, and involves more
rituals.

Gallery[edit]

Pilgrim in supplication at the Sacred Mosque

The largest Jamarah (pillar)

Pilgrims visiting the well of Zamzam

Mount Safa near the Kaaba, inside the Sacred Mosque

Mount Marwah

Tents at Mina

Plain of Arafat during Hajj, 2003

Mount Arafat

See also[edit]

Glossary of Islam
HajjHajj and
PilgrimagePilgrimage Organization (Iran)
Hejaz
Incidents during the Hajj
List of largest peaceful gatherings in history

Notes[edit]

^ The verses read: And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord
with certain commands, which he fulfilled.... Remember We made the
House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye
the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with
Abraham and Ishmael, that they should sanctify My House for those who
compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate
themselves (therein in prayer).... And remember Abraham and Ishmael
raised the foundations of the House (2:124-127) and And proclaim the
PilgrimagePilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on
every kind of camel, through deep and distant mountain highways, that
they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the
name of Allah, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He
has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed
the distressed one, the needy. Then let them complete the rites
prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate
the Ancient House. (22: 27-29)
^
Ibn JubayrIbn Jubayr noted the skeletons of the faithful who had died of
thirst en route. In the 17th century, a group of Egyptian pilgrims
lost over 1,500 people and 900 camels. In 1924 around one-fifth of a
group of Syrian pilgrims died and two years later, 12,000 are thought
to have died during the journey. [
IslamIslam in the World by Malise
Ruthven. Granta Publications, 2006. p. 2. ISBN 1-86207-906-4.]
^ For example, one such
HadithHadith says: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet
(p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever performs
HajjHajj for Allah's pleasure and does
not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins
then he will return (after
HajjHajj free from all sins) as if he were born
anew." Sahih al-Bukhari, 2:26:596
^ Al-Haakim, Naim ibn Hammad, Kitab Al-Fitan